A new survey has revealed that Canadian employees are unlikely to speak up – but does that mean we’re sacrificing success?
A comprehensive study offering insight into how employees around the world present themselves in the workplace has revealed that Canadian millennials are the least likely to speak up – could it be jeopardising their success?
Professional confidence
According to the New Norms @Work study, employees in general are growing bolder – more than half (54 per cent) said they are now speaking up more at work by voicing their opinion or challenging ideas.
On the whole, millennials around the world are the most likely to consider themselves a “yes employee” – 58 per cent said they always do what they’re told and are unlikely to question authority.
However, it’s Canadian millennials who are the most likely to keep schtum – 70 per cent said they would characterize themselves as a “yes employee.”
Compliance comes at a price
“At a time where the demand for transparent communication in the workplace is at a premium, employees are not speaking-up enough,” says leadership consultant Glenn Llopis.
“How you express your opinions at work (or not) is a direct reflection upon how people experience who you are and what you represent as a team member, department leader and as an individual.”
Without speaking up, you can never be truly successful, warns Llopis – “Your voice defines the value you bring to the organization.”
Create an open culture
News that 70 per cent of your millennial workers are reluctant to speak up might come as a shock to some HR managers, reinforcing the need to create a culture of openness – where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas or suggestions.
